Home > Kentucky > Mccracken County > Paducah

St. Mary School System

1243 Elmdale Rd
Paducah, KY 42003

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Tel: (270) 442-1681

www.smss.org

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The St. Mary School System is a coeducational, interparochial Catholic school system of the Diocese of Owensboro.

We are a community composed of parents, guardians, students (PreK - 12), administrators, faculty and support staff which fosters a Christian environment with emphasis on the pursuit of excellence.

This is accomplished through a commitment to the tradition of integrating Christian values with challenging academic and extracurricular activities in a disciplined environment.

Quick Facts (2026)

Top-Ranked KY School
Grades: Prekindergarten-12
Enrollment: 451 students
Yearly Tuition: $6,790
Acceptance rate: 80%
Application Deadline: None / Rolling
Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

St. Mary School System ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Kentucky for:

School Overview

School Membership(s)School Assoc.

National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA)
Other religious school association(s)
Other school association(s)

Religious Affiliation

Catholic

Grades Offered

Grades Prekindergarten-12

Year Founded

1965

Colors

Blue, Yellow, Gold

School Calendar

View School Calendar

Student Body

Total Students

451 students

Student Body Type

Co-ed

% Students of Color

12%

State avg.: 13%

Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers

43 teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio

10:1

National avg.: 11:1

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline

None / Rolling

Yearly Tuition Cost

$6,790

View national tuition avg.

Acceptance Rate

80%

National avg.: 82%

Application URL

Online Application

Sports

Total Sports Offered

10 sports

Sports

BaseballBasketball

CheeringCross Country

GolfSoccer

SoftballTennis

Track and FieldVolleyball

School Notes

The St. Mary School System is a coeducational, interparochial Catholic school system of the Diocese of Owensboro. We are a community composed of parents, guardians, students (PreK - 12), administrators, faculty and support staff which fosters a Christian environment with emphasis on the pursuit of excellence. This is accomplished through a commitment to the tradition of integrating Christian values with challenging academic and extracurricular activities in a disciplined environment.

Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Pope Francis, Cardinal of Argentina
- Catherine Ingram, Notable Author

Source: Verified school update

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does St. Mary School System cost?

St. Mary School System's tuition is approximately $6,790 for private students.

What schools are St. Mary School System often compared to?

St. Mary School System is often viewed alongside schools like Community Christian Academy K-12 by visitors of our site.

What is the acceptance rate of St. Mary School System?

The acceptance rate of St. Mary School System is 80%, which is lower than the national average of 84%.

Who are famous alumni from St. Mary School System?

St. Mary School System famous alumni include: Pope Francis, Cardinal of Argentina and Catherine Ingram, Notable Author.

What sports does St. Mary School System offer?

St. Mary School System offers 10 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cheering, Cross Country, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Track and Field and Volleyball.

What is St. Mary School System's ranking?

St. Mary School System ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Kentucky for: Largest student body.

When is the application deadline for St. Mary School System?

The application deadline for St. Mary School System is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

School Reviews

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Quick Facts (2026)

Top-Ranked KY School
Grades: Prekindergarten-12
Enrollment: 451 students
Yearly Tuition: $6,790
Acceptance rate: 80%
Application Deadline: None / Rolling
Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Kentucky is $8,797 for elementary schools and $9,206 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).

The average acceptance rate in Kentucky is 84% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).